Almost 16,000 smoke cannabis every day, says report

ALMOST 16,000 people smoke cannabis daily, according to figures published yesterday.

A major report on cannabis said heavy and regular users of the drug were at risk of mental illness and respiratory cancer.

Statistics published by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) showed 0.6% of those aged 15 to 64-years-old, equivalent to around 15,560 people, smoked cannabis every day. “Cannabis may not be the most dangerous drug, but it is a harmful drug, particularly for young people and heavy users,” said Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Noel Ahern, launching the report.